In a surprising twist, it turns out that women are the driving force behind adult-content streaming platforms. This is no sensational headline but a data-backed revelation shared by Albert Langitan, founder of CinePop, during a recent roundtable for his platform's latest release, "Mansanas ni Eba." This gripping five-part vertical series stars the charismatic vlogger Apple Angeles.
"According to our data, over half of our viewers are women. In some cases, they even make up 72% of our audience," Langitan revealed. "This trend isn't unique to us; major platforms like PornHub report similar statistics." With a rich history in directing popular shows like "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano," Langitan isn't just highlighting this to provoke – he aims to engage. He believes cultural factors contribute to this hidden trend, noting that many Filipinas have felt the need to explore their sexuality in secrecy.
CinePop embraces this understanding with a mission to empower. The platform, unapologetically bold with its tagline "Sorry, Not Sorry on Sensuality," focuses on creating adult-themed but ethically conscious content. "We’re not porn," Langitan emphasizes. "We respect actors' boundaries. If they change their minds, we respect that – no pressure involved."
"What matters to us is respect – for the person and for the process. All shapes, sizes, and stories are welcome," Langitan insists.
His approach extends to how narratives are crafted, always respecting the diverse stories and bodies that come to the screen. This ethos is part of what makes CinePop a unique voice in the streaming world.
Enter Apple Angeles, the unexpected force of nature leading "Mansanas ni Eba." With a staggering social media following and a past that includes being the most searched Filipino on YouTube from 2021 to 2022, Apple’s journey to fame is as intriguing as her on-screen performances. Dealing with the loss of her husband to lupus during the pandemic, Apple found solace in vlogging, which became her lifeline and path to self-discovery.
Her initial foray into the spotlight was a makeup tutorial on her late husband's face – a dramatic, attention-grabbing piece that set the stage for her transformation. From a constrained wife in a traditional marriage to a confident performer, Apple's journey is woven into "Mansanas ni Eba," reflecting her real-life exploration of love and personal empowerment. "It was my first time doing love scenes, and I had five partners on set," she recounts. "I felt awkward, but everyone respected my boundaries. I asked for silhouettes only, and they listened."
With Langitan's vision and Angeles's powerful story, "Mansanas ni Eba" is more than just entertainment – it's a testament to evolving norms and a celebration of women claiming their desires without apology. At P50 per episode, it's not just value streaming; it's a bold conversation starter.